Fasting
Isaiah 58:1-7
We are now in the time of Lent. In the past, fasting meant giving up food and water. These days people might give up something special to you. Many young people will give up games or TV.
True fasting according to Isaiah 58 is when we truly seek God.
Fasting is not about bragging but emptying yourself. Fasting is not a form of suffering. Enduring pain or suffering for its own sake is not glorifying God. Seeking out temptations or inventing trials
Sacrifice should not be the first act of duty but the natural reaction to God's grace.
Why do we fast? We are seeking God and become closer to God. We fast to examine our hearts.
When we fast, we should be emptying ourselves in surrendering to God and repenting. We should Also be encouraging others to fast. It should not be just an outward exercise.
Isaiah 58:5 ESV
[5] Is such the fast that I choose, a day for a person to humble himself? Is it to bow down his head like a reed, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Will you call this a fast, and a day acceptable to the Lord?
Fasting allows us to see how sinful we are. Without true repentance, we cannot receive grace.
Improper fasting will lead to conflict and arrogance.
Isaiah 58:4 ESV
[4] Behold, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to hit with a wicked fist. Fasting like yours this day will not make your voice to be heard on high.
God cannot fill you unless you empty yourself. Your pride and logic will not allow God to fill you. What we prioritize in our hearts will fill our hearts. True fasting allows us to empty ourselves for God.
We need to ask why we fast. Is it to get closer to God or brag to others how much you can endure.
Fasting is not just self-denial. However, God's calling to fasting to set us free. Not just ourselves but those who are oppressed. It is to love others. This is love in action.
Isaiah 58:6-7 ESV
[6] “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? [7] Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?
Fasting was never about suffering but surrender. Fasting should lead us to humility and not pride. Is it moving you closer to God or puffing you up with yourself. We should be filled with God
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